Once a c-section, always a c-section?

[clucks]

I had an awful time with my first delivery as contractions would be intense and then disappeaar completely and come back erratically, this went on for 4 days after what was my waters breaking but midwives mistook for show. Anyway, foetal distress was detected and I had an emergency c-section. The baby was covered in meconium and did not have a very high agpar score. The whole thing was awful, the recovery the worst part of it. I had visions of being an earth mother and delivering naturally etc. etc.

This has left me wondering if I am anatomically unsuited to natural delivery (pregnancy was a sail). Should I try again or plan a c-section or even bother with a 2nd child. I would be grateful for any advice. I feel a bit selfish planning my family around an unwanted abdominal wound. Anyone else with similar experiences?

I honestly think she needs to go back to the doctor on this Lucie. They make different recommendations for a post c-section pregnancy depending on the reasons for the op and the mother's state of health. For example, I had an elective for persistent transverse lie and had some complications thereafter. But my consultant still told me I could go ahead and conceive again whenever I wanted with no reason to wait...so your friend must have had quite a difficult time of it if two years' wait has been suggested. I hope she is OK.

I agree with Marina - I was told not to get pregnant for a year after DD's birth. So if she was told 2 years, I guess there must be a good medical reason why!!

I think you'll find that the recommendation for 2 years is just based on the doctor's own opinion. I have seen women successfully having subsequent babies well within 2 years of a C/S.